Business-Oriented Reserves and Resource Management - Experiences from a Merger

Abstract

In May 2019, the merger between Wintershall GmbH and DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG was closed, which was the start of Wintershall Dea.This paper provides detailed insight into managing reserves and resource information during this merger. After merger, three resource management activities required attention: (i) combining existing resources reporting, (ii) defining a lean but effective resources management and control system, and (iii) ensuring readiness for Initial Public Offering (IPO) by establishing an external independent evaluation of resources ("external resource audit"). This paper describes objectives, challenges and solutions on reserves and resources reporting of the new company. The merged reserves and resources database of the previous year's reports had to consider audits from two different reporting systems in parallel to four different external auditors.With priorities defined by status of external auditing, operatorship and asset share a common database was derived and could immediately be used for financial transactions such as the issuance of an inaugural bond. The new system for internal reporting of petroleum resources provides a fit-for-purpose approach, such as a consistent interpretation of commerciality criteria or definition of resources sub-classes.Particular attention was paid to synergies with respect to business planning, strategic portfolio analysis, and a link to technology & innovation. By defining specific attributes and sub-processes, the portfolio can be analyzed systematically. This provides additional insights and ensures synergies with business planning, strategic planning as well as internal technology initiatives. A systematic resource control system is defined focusing on internal review, external and internal audits as well as synergetic use of project reviews. Moreover, a feedback loop for continuous improvement of reservoir management allows attending to important audit observations. The external resource audit to ensure IPO readiness was structured to assign tasks for head office, business units and auditing company.The sequence of events from introduction to assets to reconciliation of differences between auditor and company was set-up, executed and monitored.Focus was on the definition of a structured but agile approach for external independent evaluation of all reserves and contingent resources.